I have just now spoken to Sheila, John's wife at their home, and with Sheila's permission I have to sadly tell you that John has been seriously ill in hospital in intensive care since last Friday. Apparently he has had renal failure and is on dialysis.

She was grateful for my phone call, so that I could let people know what has happened. I knew something was wrong as he hadn't posted for a few days, I just wish I had rung earlier.

I will of course keep you all posted, and I will go up and see him as soon as he is able to receive visitors.

We all send our very best wishes to you and your family John, and our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours at this time.

Chris,
I really pray John makes a speedy recovery.
Please pass my support to both John and Sheila at this time - given my record of kidney problems I have some understanding of what John is going through just now.Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?